The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-05-05
RELIEF CORPS NEWS.
GleaningS from National Headquar-
terS--NOtcS from The Departments.
HEADQUARTERS WoMAS's RELIEF COMPS,
SAN Francisco, CAL


SAN Francisco. CAL.
ELIZABETH DA. KIESE National President.
NELLIE q. BACKUs. National Secretary.
APRIL 2I, 1887.
DEAR TRIBUNE: For all the subject Of eiigi.
bility 10 membership has been so freely and
fully discussed in these columns questions are
still coming 10 Headquarters concerning this
matter, and reports are continually being made
oil the dissatisfaction in some Of the Corps stu
ated even in the very heart and center of our
interests, that loyal women should hold a posi-
ton Of equality with soldiers wives. As has
been stated before, this question was finally
settled at the National Convention in Denver
in 'S3, and Corps are not in a position 10 judge
or decide fo- themselves. 1t has been irrevoca-
bly, decided for them, and when Corps rebel
against this mandate they should surrender
their charters and their members join orsani-
cations restricted 10 their numbers. Loyalty
should not result from accident of relationship,
but be Unborn in every true woman's heart
broad and deep enough 10 extend a welcoming
hand 10 all sympathizers.
Among the last work done BY the late Mrs.
Lizzie Anderson, National Junior Nice-Presi-
dent, Of Topeka, Kan, was the organization OF
Corps in New Mexico, but unfortunately their
remote situation has made il impossible for
them to bc since visited by any proficient Off
Ger until recently. when Mrs. Louisa III. Brown,
National Inspector, made a most thorough in
spection of the work of the Department. The
interest mad very much tagged from the fact
OF their small membership and few instructions,
so that only two OF the Corps were found to be
accomplishing much of anything, the others
having temporarily or finally disbanded; but
they have been ins,illcd with new life and a
better understanding of tEe working OF affairs,
so that we have every reason TO hope that the
good results will equal those following upon
Mrs. Turner's visit TO Virginia and Mrs. Ella
Stcring's assistant Department Inspector Of
California; TO Arizona.
What has been done has been ACCOMPLISHED
through the untiring zeal and perseverance, of
Mrs. Casise Henderson, Provisional Depart
ment President, who has struggled against
seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but who
is now obliged, owing 30 her removal from tho
Territory, 10 resign her position Mrs. Cod
dington, OF Albuquerque, being appointed TO
fiji her place.
The National President again desires 10 call
the attention Of Department Presidents 10 the
fact that Mrs Turner National Treasurer, is
prepared to furnish Memorial Day blanks for
the use of Corps Chaplains; blanks for bonds
for Department and Corps Treasures. and blank
forms for the use of Corps Presidents in report
ing relief work TO Posts Ii is most gratifying
TO notice the interest taken by the citizens of
our State in the project of establishing home
for the mothers wives, widows and orphans OF
our veterans aud army nurses.
Our larger cities notably San Jose and Sac
ramento, are holding out valuable inducements
for its erection. Tracts of land varying from
five TO ID acres have been offered to the Beard
of Management. accompanied by considerable
sums of money in each of these places.
National and State homes have been numer-
ously and generously provided for our needy
veterans, until now no thought has been taken
TO provide a like institution for those who have
shared the soldiers troubles and needs; even
the orphans haYe been cared for in many States,
and ii seems a strange fact that the mothers,
the wives and the widows should but now be
considered; but il is hoped that tho very
realization Of this fact will assure greater in
terest and the best possible results.
One by one the States having independent
organizations of soldiers relatives are sending
for instructions for reorganization under our
banner, desiring among their numbers the
many loyal women whose aid they need, and
who desire 10 aid them. The latest request
comes from Asst Adj't-Gen. Enrght, of Della
ware, for Corps in Dover aud thus, il those
feeling the need Of a broader plan of work can
be induced TO gradually take the places Of those
in our Order who indicate at times desire for
more restricted limits matters will soon be very
happily adjusted and equalized. One more
word for future guidance: let Department
Presidents, before issuing charter to Corps, be
sure that the spirit guiding the members be
loyalty, and not misdirected exclusiveness.
EIRFKA